I agree, I think there are a multiple issues:
1. You cant take an item from the orcs as "pay back"
2. The summoning of other orcs to the gates/ tremblefist that assist
- As a level 40 character I went from 100% health to 5% in one combat round after several mobs assisted the gate guards
3. Gate guards
- I remember these backing away out of fear beyond a certain level (this does not seem to happen any more)
4. Tremble
- The dispels/plagues/blinds/curse/ etc are a big hinderance and when coupled with the healing commune ability means a level 30+ chart can be largely unsuccesful

I have retrieved as a level 22 from other cabals plain and simple you cannot do this with orcs. I will go as far to say that you cant do this with many 30+ characters.